The first incident occurred on October 12, 2023, when a man was monitoring his fields in Kayovu cell in Ndego sector.
He and a companion were guarding their rice paddies to prevent hippos from encroaching on their crops. In broad daylight, a hippo caught them off guard, injuring one of the men on the shoulder.
Displaying remarkable bravery, his partner attempted to divert the attention of the hippo, allowing them both to escape the danger.
Kabandana Patrick, the executive secretary of Ndego sector, confirmed the incident and underscored the threat posed by these animals, particularly during nighttime. He assured the community that steps would be taken to address this danger.
Another incident unfolded in the Murundi sector, specifically in the Buhabwa cell, at around 5 a.m. A 29-year-old man, preparing his land for agriculture, was unexpectedly confronted by a hippo that bit his leg.
Benon Gashayija, the executive secretary of the Murundi sector, revealed that the victim received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition. He also cautioned residents about the risk associated with these animals, especially near water sources that serve as habitats for hippos.
Local authorities are urging vigilance and advising against approaching areas where hippos are frequently sighted, especially after nightfall.
He was found guilty of crimes against some Miss Rwanda contestants.
As he read the verdict on Friday 13th October 2023, the presiding judge emphasized that the High Court considered testimonies from victims and witnesses before the Investigation and Prosecution bodies, rather than relying on notarized letters and courtroom testimonies where the victims denied abuse.
This approach aligned with relevant legal provisions and prior case verdicts. The prosecution had initially sought a 16-year sentence, but a shorter sentence was given as it was the defendant’s first offense.
It’s unclear if an appeal is permitted. In 2022, the Nyarugenge Intermediate court acquitted Ishimwe due to insufficient evidence, prompting a prosecution appeal based on the disregard of crucial evidence. Ishimwe had pleaded not guilty from the beginning.
These newly acquired buses are set to serve various routes including routes such as Kimironko-Downtown and Kimironko-Nyabugogo.
Dodo Twahirwa, the Chief Executive Officer of Jali Investment Ltd, emphasized that these additions are expected to alleviate the transportation woes in Kigali by reducing long queues and the delay in bus arrivals. To facilitate this enhancement, the company has invested over Rwf3 billion.
Each of the new buses has the capacity to carry up to 70 passengers, a significant boost for the city’s overcrowded public transport. Data from the City of Kigali suggests that at least 300 buses are required to effectively address the public transport issue in the city.
Dr. Merard Mpabwanamaguru, Kigali City Vice Mayor in Charge of Urbanization and Infrastructure, reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing measures to improve public transport.
Currently, Jali stands as the leading bus company in Kigali, operating across three distinct zones: Zone IIIA, Zone IIIB, and Zone IV. It operates alongside counterparts such as Kigali Bus Service (KBS), Royal Express, and the recently added Volcano Bus Company, all contributing to the effort to alleviate transportation challenges in Kigali.
Originally known as the Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperatives (RFTC), Jali Transport Ltd has been in the transportation business since 2012, initially owning coasters and city buses. This news of the introduction of new buses has brought relief and excitement to public transport users in Kigali. It is expected to significantly reduce the long waiting times and overcrowding issues that commuters have endured.
Karongozi made these comments on October 12, 2023, during the trial of the two suspects at the Court of Assise in Belgium. Pierre Basabose was notably absent from the proceedings due to health issues, similar to the trial’s opening day on Monday.
In a confrontational tone, Flamme expressed his disbelief in the events that transpired in Rwanda and labeled them as fabricated facts, attributing the turmoil to the RPF Inkotanyi.
He further claimed that four genocides had occurred in Rwanda, citing the Genocide against the Tutsi, ‘Genocide against the Hutu’, ‘Genocide against the Twa’, and ‘another targeting people from the Democratic Republic of Congo’.
The presiding judges swiftly interrupted Flamme, arguing that his statements were veering off-topic and delving into an attack on Rwanda’s leadership rather than focusing on his clients’ defense.
In an interview with IGIHE, Lawyer Karongozi raised concerns about Basabose’s mental health conditions and the apparent inconsistency in his request to be represented while also claiming to be unable to stand trial due to illness. Karongozi emphasized that defending the suspects should not imply assuming responsibility for the actions they are accused of committing.
Karongozi further pointed out that Flamme’s statements do not reflect the views of his client, Basabose. He voiced his suspicions about whether Flamme’s beliefs aligned with his statements, as they appeared to be a form of genocide denial.
“This becomes the sixth trial handled by Belgium involving suspects accused of a role in the Genocide against the Tutsi, underlining the country’s commitment to pursuing and prosecuting individuals associated with this tragic event. Though not the primary architects, Basabose and Twahirwa played significant roles in the Genocide against the Tutsi,” Karongozi stated.
He also called for heightened measures to combat genocide denial, which he noted was manifesting in various forms.
François Kayijuka, an observer following the trial, expressed his reservations about Flamme’s conduct, particularly his attempt to attribute blame to RPF Inkotanyi, yet it is credited with halting the Genocide.
Kayijuka remarked, “Flamme seems unwilling to acknowledge that the Genocide was perpetrated against the Tutsi; instead, he refers to it as a Genocide against Rwandans. His assertion that there were four genocides in Rwanda appeared to trigger frustration among judges and others present, not just among Rwandans.”
Furthermore, Kayijuka questioned Flamme’s motives, suggesting that the defense lawyer was propagating Genocide ideology rather than genuinely representing the defendants.
Both Basabose and Twahirwa are facing charges related to genocide and war crimes, with Twahirwa additionally accused of rape. The trial is expected to continue from October 9 to December 8.
The meeting held at at Urugwiro Village on Thursday, October 12, 2023, as reported by Rwanda’s Presidency, focused on exploring various business opportunities for potential partnerships with Rwanda. The key areas of interest for collaboration included education, technology development, and consumer electronics.
LG Corporation, a prominent South Korean multinational conglomerate, has a rich history dating back to its founding by Koo In-hwoi.
Over the years, it has been continually managed by successive generations of the Koo family. The conglomerate is widely recognized for its diverse portfolio, encompassing a wide range of industries, including electronics, chemicals, and telecommunications products.
LG Corporation operates a multitude of well-established subsidiaries, including LG Electronics, Zenith, LG Display, LG Uplus, LG Innotek, LG Chem, LG Household & Health Care, LG CNS, G2R, HS Ad, and LG Energy Solution. These subsidiary operations extend their influence across more than 80 countries worldwide, reflecting the conglomerate’s global reach and influence.
Highlighting LG Corporation’s impressive global presence is its substantial annual revenue.
According to 2023 data, the company’s total revenue stands at an impressive $63 billion, equivalent to more than Rwf77 trillion. This substantial financial stature underscores LG Corporation’s capacity for meaningful contributions to business partnerships and collaborative endeavors.
Edward Buba, the spokesman for the military, told reporters in the national capital of Abuja that 114 others were detained during the operations across the northern region within the period.
The troops also rescued at least 49 victims of kidnapping in the northeastern part of the country, Buba said, adding some leaders of the Boko Haram group and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province surrendered, laying down their arms due to the superior firepower of the military.
Armed attacks have been a primary security threat in Nigeria’s northern and central regions, leading to deaths and kidnappings in recent months.
Some 293 Police officers, including 44 allied students from law enforcement agencies in Central African Republic (CAR), are taking part in the six-month highly demanding course.
The official opening ceremony was also attended by the Director General for CAR Gendarmerie Nationale, Gen. Landry Ulrich Depot.
IGP Namuhoranye thanked the leadership of Central African Republic for trusting Rwanda to train their Gendarmerie and Police officers.
He also thanked Gen. Ulrich for attending the opening of the course, and pledged continued support in the journey of transformation and professionalism of Rwanda and CAR law enforcement institutions.
“This training will equip participants with the required skills that can be applied in contemporary policing, especially in counter terrorism operations, VIP protection, but also develop trainers, who will be able to train others,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
He reminded the trainees that their attitude will determine their altitude, and that discipline is key to success.
Gen. Ulrich lauded the existing friendly relations between Rwanda and CAR, which paved way for stronger cooperation between security forces in the two countries.
He told the Gendarmerie and Police trainees from CAR that this is not a visit but a duty to learn.
“You are here in Rwanda for a mission; be focused, learn from this friendly country and aim for success because a lot is expected from you back home to use the acquired knowledge and skills to address the security challenges and to build your country,” Gen. Ulrich said.
Cindy Flash, aged 67 and originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, resides in Kfar Aza, a kibbutz located in southern Israel, near Gaza. It’s in this region that some of the most heart-wrenching and grim accounts have emerged in recent days.
According to media reports, the final messages from Cindy included distressing pleas to her daughter, Keren, 34, as she detailed the imminent breach of their safe room by assailants. Keren was in touch with her parents from a neighboring house.
Describing her mother as someone with an exceptionally compassionate and caring nature, Keren, who works at a local college, spoke of Cindy’s lifelong dedication to advocating for Palestinian rights, including those living in Gaza – the very place where she might currently be held captive. Cindy had emigrated to Israel many years ago after falling in love with the kibbutz system during her college visit.
Cindy and Igal’s home in Kfar Aza was situated right next to the Gaza security fence, which Hamas militants breached during their attack on Israel by land, sea, and air. The couple had recently renovated their home, necessitating a temporary move away from the kibbutz. Despite their proximity to Gaza, the family had always felt secure and appreciated the lush surroundings, tranquility, and strong sense of community in their area.
The Flash family had anticipated a different Saturday, planning a family picnic and an afternoon of kite-flying on the local soccer field as part of a yearly community event. However, their day took a tragic turn as they woke up to alarms and the sounds of explosions around 6:30 a.m.
Keren and her husband, Avidor Schwartzman, along with their 1-year-old baby, Saar, took shelter in a reinforced room. Simultaneously, Cindy and Igal secured themselves in their own safe room. The sounds of explosions soon transitioned into the rattle of automatic gunfire as Hamas militants encircled Kfar Aza, going house to house in search of people.
Keren and her family were eventually rescued by Israeli security services. They lost contact with numerous individuals in various WhatsApp groups during the ordeal, hearing reports of injuries and then sudden silence.
Disturbingly, Israeli media reported that the bodies of 40 children and babies were discovered in Kfar Aza, with some having been beheaded. An IDF spokesperson described Kfar Aza as a “massacre,” although declined to comment on the beheadings. The death toll from the Hamas attack in Israel has now exceeded 1,200.
Despite the lack of information from both U.S. and Israeli authorities about her parents’ whereabouts, Keren remains hopeful and anxious for any news, her heart sinking each time someone contacts them with no new information.
SEZs have become powerful tools for promoting economic growth and development. Rwanda, a country experiencing rapid economic growth cannot afford to overlook the potential of SEZs.
{{A glance at Rwanda’s journey in promoting SEZs}}
Rwanda’s SEZ program began with the drafting of the SEZ law in 2011, followed by the development of the Kigali Special Economic Zone (KSEZ). The KSEZ served as a model for future SEZ projects in Rwanda. Since then, the country has established industrial parks in Bugesera, Rwamagana, Muhanga and Musanze among others.
The Kigali Special Economic Zone spans 385 hectares, with plans to expand to 400 hectares.
Housing approximately 150 companies; the Kigali Special Economic Zone attracted private sector investments worth an estimated $2.3 billion, resulting in over 13,000 permanent job opportunities and generating export revenues surpassing $1 billion since 2018.
Moreover, between 2018 and 2021, it contributed around Rwf120 billion in taxes. The recently unveiled Kigali Innovation City, valued at $300 million, is set to be established within the zone, further enhancing its reputation as a burgeoning tech hub.
As per figures released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda in June 2023, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was estimated at Rwf3,901 billion, up from Rwf 3,021 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2022.
The industry sector’s contribution to the GDP rose to 22 percent, up from 14 percent in 2014.
{{Lessons from Shanghai}}
Despite making significant strides, Rwanda can further boost its economy by adopting best practices and drawing inspiration from successful models. One such captivating success story comes from Shanghai, China’s pioneering efforts in establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Shanghai’s triumph in developing Free Trade Zones (FTZs) can be traced back to its early efforts in the 1980s. Through strategic positioning and leveraging its advantageous trade location, Shanghai emerged as an irresistible magnet for investments.
In 1990, Shanghai took a bold step by creating the Pudong New Area, a comprehensive FTZ. This area became the premier destination in Shanghai for investors, talents, and innovators, offering a supportive business environment and unbeatable policy support.
The establishment of Pudong New Area was a turning point in Shanghai’s history. Over the years, it went through various expansions and transformations, eventually becoming a national development area in 1990, a pilot area for comprehensive reforms in 2005, and finally, the Shanghai FTZ in 2013.
In 2022, Pudong New Area’s GDP surpassed 1.6 trillion yuan, accounting for 35.9 percent of Shanghai’s total. It also achieved a 4 percent increase in the gross industrial output value above designated size from the previous year. With ambitious plans, Pudong aims to achieve about 7 percent GDP growth in 2023, outperforming the city’s average.
Looking ahead, Pudong has set ambitious goals for the next five years, with plans to expand its economic aggregate to 2 trillion yuan and increase per capita GDP and disposable income significantly.
Today, China has created an astounding 21 FTZs and the Hainan Free Trade Port, demonstrating the immense potential of these zones to drive economic progress.
From 2013 to 2022, China’s GDP grew from 56.9 trillion yuan ($9.4 trillion) to 121 trillion yuan (around $18.1 trillion).
SEZs have contributed 22% of China’s GDP, 45% of total national foreign direct investment, and 60% of exports. By 2021, SEZs had created over 30 million jobs in China, increased the income of participating farmers by 30%, and accelerated industrialization, agricultural modernization, and urbanization.
The success of Shanghai and other FTZs in China can be attributed to several factors, including clear development strategies, strategic locations, a reform-oriented approach, constant upgrading of strategic sectors, and strong government-enterprise partnerships.
It is no brainer that learning from Shanghai’s success story and leveraging its own strengths to pave the way for structural transformation can undoubtedly propel Rwanda’s economy forward.
The Shema Methane Gas Power plant project, launched in 2019, is on track for completion by February 2024, with a total investment of Rwf400 billion. It aims to generate more than 57 megawatts of electricity.
While the overarching project is still in progress, methane extraction and electricity production operations are already underway, marking the approach of the final construction phase in Busoro, situated in the Nyamyumba sector of Rubavu District.
The initiation of electricity supply, particularly on the main grid, will bolster the national electrical capacity, benefiting various industries and essential sectors.
In an interview with IGIHE, Kabuto Alexis, the CEO of Shema Power Lake Kivu, affirmed, “The power plant we are constructing is in its final stages. Currently, we are providing 37.5 megawatts, which will integrate into the REG network. Our objective is to enhance capacity within this network. We have already completed 90% of the work and will conclude it by February 2024.”
He underscored the significance of this plant for Rwanda’s energy self-reliance, explaining, “We employ innovative technology to extract methane from Lake Kivu and convert it into electricity. With a $300 million investment, this technology will enable us to boost production capacity.”
He further added, “This plant is a response to the low electricity consumption. The government is actively working to expand electrical availability and actively seeking investors for methane gas exploitation.”
Focusing on Lake Kivu’s potential, research indicates that the lake could yield methane capable of producing between 160 and 960 megawatts, depending on the extraction methods. This level of production could be sustained for 50 years before witnessing a 15 to 20% reduction.
Rwanda has identified five areas suitable for methane gas extraction, while the Democratic Republic of Congo, a co-owner of this resource, has identified six. The Rwandan zones have a combined potential of 300 megawatts.
Among these areas, two are located in Rubavu, one in Karongi, and the remaining two near Rusizi. Three of them are already in the process of exploitation.
In addition to Shema Power Lake Kivu, two other projects are also in progress: KivuWatt with a capacity of 26 megawatts and Kibuye Power I, which produces three megawatts.
Gasmeth Energy Ltd is planning a significant project set to commence in 2024. This project aims to address the shortage of petroleum and gas products, crucial for cooking, industries, schools, and various other institutions.
